Should Christians Engage with Multi-Faith?
Introduction
In the workplace, maintaining Christian beliefs and values is a challenge. The 2010 equal opportunities legislation making faith a protected characteristic alongside race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability means the workplace is an opportunity for Christians to be open about their faith in a way that was not possible previously.
The challenge comes with organisations choosing to recognise a Multi-Faith group rather than specific faith groups. In such a situation, should Christians engage with other faiths within a Multi-Faith group or remain separate and distinct? After all, might a Multi Faith group allow other faiths to promote their beliefs?
The gospel is good news for all
"For God so loved the whole world that He gave His one and only Son
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
This verse and others remind us that God loves everyone whatever their background, up bringing or present circumstances and desires that all believe in Jesus so that they may have eternal life and life in all its abundance (John 10:10). The question is, within your organisation can this be effectively done as a specific Christian group operating outside of any organisational framework which may include a Multi-Faith framework or within one?
Operating within an organisation's framework releases opportunities, funding, permission to use facilities and resources, budget, notification of events and many more that cannot be done outside of a framework.
Operating within an organisation's framework more importantly provides a safe space to share about the Christian faith and provides the opportunity for a Christian group to be established. There have been many regrettable incidents involving Christians seeking to work out their faith in the workplace which may have been avoided if a formally recognised faith network(s) had been in place. This would have allowed open discussion, produced clarity and provided a safe place to resolve issues. On balance, operating within a Multi-Faith network presents more opportunities for Christian groups to share the good news than outside of a network and provides better safeguards.
Know your boundaries
Christians engaging with other faiths will find this as an opportunity for personal growth. They will be challenged about what they believe and what activities they are prepared to engage with and what they are not prepared to engage with. Setting boundaries early on, rather than developing them as events unfold is important.
Here are some examples:
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Visiting other faiths places of worship and being respectful wearing appropriate clothing, removing shoes, or having head coverings would be acceptable
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Participating in acts of worship or offering incense, prayers and other participatory activities is not acceptable
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Before an activity, clarify what will be happening and then politely inform those leading what aspects you would not be able to participate in – Christians may be concerned offending someone, but the opposite is also generally the case. When boundaries are clarified at the start rather than having to refuse to do something at a later time, can avoid awkward situations arising.
If an organisation supports and recognises a Multi-Faith network, then the organisation will equally direct all issues relating to faith and belief to the network. If Christians are not engaging with the network, then the Christian voice will not be heard.
What did St Paul think about this?
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Paul met people where they were to win them for Christ. But in all of this, he did not ignore the law of God and ensured he obeyed the law of Christ.
Acts 17 – Paul knew he lived in a polytheistic society and knowledge of the true God was absent to the extent the closest thing he could find to faith was the altar to the unknown God. Yet Paul saw in this an opportunity to share the gospel.
Hebrews 4:12 – the word is alive and active. Engaging in interfaith activities during an interfaith week for instance gives an opportunity for God’s word to be shared and we should all take the opportunities our organisations openly give to share the truth.
Christian Festivals
Other faiths will be seeking to share about their specific festivals and events and what they mean.
This means Christians can equally share about Christmas and Easter. Participating in an inclusive agenda within a Multi-Faith network creates opportunities that cannot be realised outside of one. This does require prayerful consideration of how this could work within your organisation and effort to achieve but the opportunities are exciting.
Setting the agenda
In addition to leading Christian groups within a Multi-Faith network, the network itself requires governance and it is important Christians take their share of the responsibilities here but are also present to shape the direction of the network. Ideally, the Multi-Faith network should act as more of an umbrella organisation with separate faith groups operating below that.
Being involved in the governance of a Multi-Faith network opens up access to the organisation's diversity and inclusion group and even senior representatives of the organisation up to and including the CEO.
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.
Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7)
Taking the challenge from Jeremiah above, what a wonderful opportunity to inform senior leaders you are praying for them.
In 1 Samuel 14, different groups of people joined the battle at different stages. Some led the way, some got on board quickly and then there were those hiding in the hills who joined in last. This is similarly true for Christians in the workplace. Once Christians see it is acceptable for Christians to be open about their faith in the workplace, they are equally emboldened to be open about their faith. But someone needs to lead the way and get others on board before the wider Christian community engages fully with such a workplace initiative.
If you have the opportunity to go be part of a Multi-Faith network I trust you will be encouraged to do so with confidence.
If you'd like to chat any of the above through with a workplace Christian who has Lived Experience and has seen colleagues come to faith in Jesus as a result of engaging with their multi faith network. Please contact office@transformwork.net
| Thames Water recognise the benefits of providing facilities for Christians and followers of other religions who work for the company, and are providing 'faith rooms' at various locations in the workplace |
| Multi faith forums and faith networks can provide the ideal opportunity to create a Christian group. |
| Do let us know if you have any other questions to add to this list |
| Multi faith forums - Obstacle or Opportunity? |